Month: November 2011

As many of you know I am a long-time WAB player. In addition, I am a long time Macedonian player (not that I am from Macedonia, but instead playing armies of that time period). After playing a couple of games against a few friends (who play Romans) I was asked, ‘what in the hell do we do to defeat your pikes?’ I really hate to give out this information, but here it is:

1. Do not engage it from the front alone.

2. Draw it into terrain whenever possible.

3. Use skirmishers to prevent the phalanx from marching or otherwise moving…such as wheeling. Skirmishers should generally harass all phalanx/pike armed units.

4. Use cavalry to control the flanks and infantry to advance more cautiously. The key to remember is that you want to charge the front and side of a phalanx simultaneously whenever possible. Pike armed units ONLY gain initiative (first strike) if they are solely fighting an enemy to the front, NOT the front and side simultaneously…so the bonus for striking first is lost (although they will still fight in 2 ranks forward). Remember that negating rank bonuses for flank charges occurs at the time you charge, so as long as 5 formed models make it into the flank, the phalanx bonus is negated. small units of 5-7 light cavalry in open order are great for this…

5. Know the rules for Phalanx and pikes well. Too many players forget all of the conditions that can negate the strength of the phalanx and pike and thus make it hard to use the best tactics in order to win. Pages 60-61, 94, & 110-111 should be your best friends.

I know that pikes are intimidating to look across the table at. Don’t worry, it just takes a more mobile army to out maneuver them. If you plan is to rush in head on…you will probably lose. But such was the strength of the phalanx in history.

Well, everyone it is here! COE has released the long anticipated Rise and Fall of Persia in the U.K. and it is en route to the United States as we speak. The European reviews have been great thus far and the lists look great.

The book is available for Pre-order at Brookhurst Hobbies for $36 retail. Pre-orders will receive the limited edition Persian General miniature. You can call Brookhurst Hobbies at (714) 636-3580 or order it through the website at www.BrookhurstHobbies.com